Controversial Maui mall could change to mix use plan

Big changes could be on the way for a controversial shopping mall project on Maui.

The 700,000 square foot project in Kihei was going to be the island's largest mall and almost exclusively retail.

But new owners have taken over development of the project and the plan now calls for a mix of business, commercial and residential use.

"It's more of a mixed use project that incorporates more traditional elements of smart growth and new urbanism," said Charlie Jencks, spokesperson for the project. "A true mixed use project including an affordable housing section and market rate rental section, light industrial activity with some retail components."

The developers believe this new plan is more in line with the original zoning conditions when the land was granted in 1995 and will be more agreeable to Maui residents who opposed the project.

They'll go before the Land Use Commission next week asking for more time change the original zoning agreement.